One of the dominant jazz organists of the 60s, Johnny Smith took on the name Hammond in
recognition of his association with the instrument. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he
began recording for Prestige in 1959 after a short stint with singer Nancy Wilson.
During the next decade he was a constant presence on the jazz scene thanks to LPs like Talk
That Talk, Ebb Tide, and Soul Talk. His sidemen at this time
included Houston Person and Bernard Purdie, and he was grouped with Jimmy Smith, Richard
"Groove" Holmes, and Jack McDuff as one of the most inventive soul-jazz
musicians.

In the 70s, he pursued a fusion career that was
largely aided by Fonce and Larry Mizell, the shapers of Bobbi Humphrey's and Donald Byrd's
most popular work. Using their patented formula of soul backbeats, layers of
instrumentation and smooth background vocals, the new approach was signalled with Gambler's
Life. In the liner notes to the album, Hammond was quoted as saying he had
practiced twelve hours a day for three months to master the electric piano and was so
happy with the range of sounds on the piano that he was giving up the organ. That
ebullience was short-lived, as Hammond returned to standard organ dates in the 80s.
Hammond died June 4, 1997. His work frequently appears on compilations aimed at the
jazz-dance community and DJs enamored with sampling Hammond's funky breaks.

Higher Ground (CTI, 1973)Continuing his fascination with covers, this has him doing Stevie Wonder's
title cut and also "The Ghetto." Also has the much-loved "Big Sur
Suite."

Gambler's Life
(Salvation, 1974)The LP where he begins favoring the electric piano and synthesizer instead
of the organ. This is also the first collaboration between Hammond and the Mizell
Brothers. As with all their productions, this is a funky fusion classic with those
lovely vocal harmonies floating in and out of the mix. Assembled largely with the
same cast that would record the more popular Gears, this album is essential for
serious collections. Particularly compelling cuts include "Star Borne" and
"Back to the Projects."

Gears
(Milestone, 1975)The highlight of Hammond's career, home to the dancefloor classics
"Los Conquistadores Chocolates," "Tell Me What To Do,"
"Fantasy" and "Shifting Gears." Keeping it short and sweet, these are
six examples of the highest quality fusion available.

Forever Taurus(Milestone,
1976)Wade Marcus assumes production responsibilities from the Mizells, and while
he's no slouch, it is difficult to maintain the quality control established by the
Mizells. Not a bad album by any means, as evidenced by "Ghetto
Samba," but it's not the first Hammond you should buy.